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Better Homes, Better Future

Better Homes, Better Future

By Energy & Environmental Building Alliance

In the "Better Homes, Better Future" podcast, Aaron Smith, CEO of EEBA, hosts conversations with key players in the industry to break down the principles, issues, technologies and history of the sustainable building movement.
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Owning and Living in a High-Performance Home

Better Homes, Better FutureOct 26, 2021

00:00
45:08
Closing Keynote with Eric Amyot - Unlock Your Superpower, Build Beyond Sustainable

Closing Keynote with Eric Amyot - Unlock Your Superpower, Build Beyond Sustainable

Closing keynote speaker, Eric Amyot, at the 2023 High Performance Home Builder Summit!

Mar 12, 202440:05
Energy Smart Connected Communities: Modeling Resilient Living for the Future

Energy Smart Connected Communities: Modeling Resilient Living for the Future

KB Home, in partnership with SunPower, the University of California, Irvine (UCI), Schneider Electric, Kia America and Southern California Edison (SCE), built two blackout-resistant communities, Durango and Oak Shade, comprised of more than 200 all-electric, solar- and battery-powered homes designed to use 40% less energy than similar homes and backed by a microgrid “community battery” in Menifee, California. This first-of-its-kind project models what the future of homes and connected communities could look like: creating minimal disruption to homeowners’ daily lives while significantly improving energy resilience for the community and energy efficiency for the broader region.

Learning objectives:

  • Team – KB Home will share about the different partnerships and collaborations that made this microgrid project possible.
  • Technology – Attendees will learn about the features selected for these homes and how the technology work together to drive resiliency for the community. 
  • Innovation – KB Home will share about two unique homeowner participation programs available at these communities: a virtual power plant (VPP) service and a vehicle-to-home (V2H) study.
  • Impact – Attendees will learn about the projected impact of this microgrid project for residents, the greater community, and the environment.
Jan 24, 202455:38
Daikin and Goodman Side-Discharge Inverter Systems

Daikin and Goodman Side-Discharge Inverter Systems

In this webinar, you will learn about heat pump inverter technology from Daikin Comfort Technologies North America.  We will explore the many benefits of inverter technology and what this means to your new homes and homebuyers.  We will also explore Daikin and Goodman’s NEW heat pump inverter offerings along with smart controls and IAQ options.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand Heat Pump technology and why is it important.
  • Identify what Side-Discharge Inverter Systems are.
  • Discover the configurations and applications of inverter systems.
  • Learn about the consumer benefits of Inverter Technology.
Dec 15, 202346:20
Heating and Cooling Innovations for Decarbonization

Heating and Cooling Innovations for Decarbonization

As jurisdictions across the country consider electrification policy, industry understanding of their electric options for heating and cooling is increasingly important. 

Attendees of this course will learn the benefits of innovative electric heating and cooling technologies, for examples:

  • Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions from the building sector as a result of displacing natural gas, propane combustion and oil heating.
  •  Increases in electrical efficiency as a result of replacing using innovative systems such as ductless minisplits and ground source heat pumps
  • Utility bill savings for ratepayers as a result of technology efficiencies and the ability to shift electric consumption to parts of the day when renewable energy resources are abundant and electricity prices are lowest.
  • Concepts such as dual-fuel heating and cold climate heat pumps.
  • Attendees will be familiarized with the various types of heating and cooling systems.
Nov 17, 202301:09:17
Hot Water Innovations for Decarbonization

Hot Water Innovations for Decarbonization

Attendees of this course will learn the benefits of water heating technologies, for examples:

  • Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions from the building sector as a result of displacing natural gas and propane combustion water heating.
  • Increases in electrical efficiency as a result of replacing electric resistance water heaters.
  • Utility bill savings for ratepayers as a result of technology efficiencies and the ability to shift electric consumption to parts of the day when renewable energy resources are abundant and electricity prices are lowest.

Attendees will be familiarized with the various types of water heaters:

Conventional storage water heaters offer a ready reservoir (storage tank) of hot water which is adequate for everyday use. In some instances, however, such as when simultaneous usage of hot water occurs, or when there is a longer durational need for hot water.

  • Heat pump water heaters move heat from one area to another instead of generating heat directly to provide hot water, resulting in high efficiencies and significant cost reductions.
  • Solar water heaters use the sun to heat water, reducing energy costs for homeowners.
  • Tankless or demand-type water heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. This type of water heater is designed to provide a sufficient supply of hot water without running out, when adequately sized.
  • Tankless coil and indirect water heaters use a home's space heating system to heat water. 
Nov 15, 202355:09
Water, Energy, & Carbon: How Saving Water Impacts Energy Usage and the Transition to a Carbon Free Industry

Water, Energy, & Carbon: How Saving Water Impacts Energy Usage and the Transition to a Carbon Free Industry

Most folks in the EEBA community know there’s a connection between water and energy (and as a result, carbon). On the one hand, we use huge amounts of water to generate electricity, and managing reservoir levels in a way that supports hydroelectric generation has become an increasing issue in the West. On the other hand, we use huge amounts of energy to extract, move, treat, and deliver water and wastewater to our homes. So how much energy does it take? How much energy and carbon can you save by reducing water? We’ll explore these questions using both national averages and local case studies.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the relationship between water, energy, and carbon
  • Express how and where energy is consumed in the process of supporting our homes with water
  • Describe the factors that influence the energy intensity of different water supplies and specific homes
  • Learn how WaterSense labeled homes certification and the tools provided by WaterSense can help address the energy embedded in water
Nov 13, 202350:31
Cost-Effective Zero Energy Achievement Strategies

Cost-Effective Zero Energy Achievement Strategies

Consumer awareness and demand for homes that perform at zero energy or near zero levels is on the rise.  As builders across the country attempt to deliver zero energy performance to their customers, there are a variety of strategies to reach this target – some more expensive than others.  In addition, as builders attempt to find the most cost-effective solutions, it is important to think about cost implications for both the builder and the buyer.  Attendees of this class will be able to:

  • Define the key components of any zero energy home
  • Identify a broad range of cost considerations for both the builder and buyer of a zero energy home
  • Understand various approaches to achieving zero energy performance
  • Understand methods for analyzing zero energy strategies
  • Identify existing analysis tools for optimizing cost and efficiency
Nov 08, 202301:01:46
4 Essential Tips on Ventilation Solutions to Help You Meet the Latest Energy Codes

4 Essential Tips on Ventilation Solutions to Help You Meet the Latest Energy Codes

Most Home Builders are struggling to design ventilation systems that meet the new IECC state building codes and ENERGY STAR for Homes version 3.1’s mandatory, delivered ventilation air flow rates to qualify for the 45L Federal Tax Credit. By the end of this training, Home Builders will have the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement cost-effective ventilation systems that meet state and federal regulations while achieving maximum efficiency.

 

Four Learning Objectives:

  1. What are the 2021 IECC ventilation requirements and how can you meet them?
  2. How can your ventilation design help you qualify for the 45L Federal Tax Credit?
  3. How can Home Energy Raters help you model for maximum efficiency?
  4. How can you ensure that your installed ventilation system delivers code compliant air flow? 
Oct 23, 202341:40
Realizing promises of the IRA: How smart diagnostic tools can ensure heat pump energy savings

Realizing promises of the IRA: How smart diagnostic tools can ensure heat pump energy savings

The Inflation Reduction Act will soon be rolling out financial incentives for more efficient HVAC systems like heat pumps to save energy and improve home comfort for American households. But what happens if these systems are improperly installed? According to a recent analysis by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 70% to 90% of residential HVAC systems have at least one problem with their installation that is wasting energy, whether it’s improper refrigerant charge or airflow. The Department of Energy’s Smart Tools for Efficient HVAC Performance (STEP) Campaign is working to address this issue through widespread adoption of smart diagnostic tools in the HVAC industry. Smart diagnostic tools can help technicians commission new HVAC systems and verify optimal performance. When used in quality installation programs to ensure new HVAC systems are installed without energy-wasting errors, these tools can be the solution to ensuring IRA-backed HVAC systems are delivering the home comfort and energy savings promised.


Learning Objectives:

- Learn about smart diagnostic tools and how they work

- Understand the business value of smart diagnostic tools for HVAC contractors

- Understand how smart diagnostic tools align with the goals of the IRA

- Learn how smart diagnostic tools can be incorporated in quality installation programs

Sep 27, 202301:00:22
 Digital Electrification of Homes in the New Energy Landscape

Digital Electrification of Homes in the New Energy Landscape

Climate change has caused unprecedented power outages and soaring energy costs, and homeowners are paying the price. As new codes and standards continue to push for efficiency and connectivity, homeowner expectations are evolving too — and Schneider Electric is positioned to play a major role in the transition.

 

In this webinar, we'll introduce Schneider Home, an all-in-one, grid-to-plug home electrification system that makes it easy to monitor, manage, and maximize energy use in residential homes. By ensuring homes are future-ready for the new energy landscape, we can advance a new energy economy that is sustainable, resilient, and affordable.

 

Learning Objectives:

1) Learn about the outsized role the residential building sector plays in the push for electrification and decarbonization.

2) Understand how both building codes and customer demand are converging to help drive these energy solutions.

3) Discover what homeowners expect from a modern home are smart technologies that are interconnected and intuitive - Yet the reality today is that these solutions are fragmented.

4) Recognize that Schneider is the only technology provider that can deliver a full grid-to-plug solution with a single digital interface thus fulfilling consumer demand and helping to achieve emerging electrification and decarbonizing goals.  

Sep 08, 202358:47
Striving for Net Zero Carbon for Builders

Striving for Net Zero Carbon for Builders

Aaron Smith, CEO of EEBA, is joined by Adam Robertson, co-founder and principal of Sustainatree Consulting from Calgary, AB Canada. With a background of over 10 years in civil engineering within the construction industry, particularly in wood building products, Adam brings a wealth of expertise. Embodied carbon, a topic gaining traction among builders and developers, encapsulates the totality of greenhouse gas emissions and removals throughout a product's lifecycle. This includes inputs, outputs, raw materials, energy, and more, each with its own carbon footprint. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive, quantified understanding of the climate impacts associated with each product's journey. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the significance of embodied carbon for builders and its implications moving forward.

Aug 30, 202345:59
Greywater Reuse: Residential, Commercial, Industrial

Greywater Reuse: Residential, Commercial, Industrial

With water scarcity concerns rising, we must look at what can be done at saving potable water use. By treating and reusing lightly contaminated greywater at both the residential and commercial level, there is the potential to save millions of gallons of potable water use each year. Decentralized greywater treatment can be implemented into new builds across the United States to start this mission of saving water up to 35% per home. One home alone can save more than 12,000 gallons of potable water usage in one year, giving relief to infrastructure, saving energy for pumping water and reducing consumption. Hydraloop is a patent device that has been installed all over the world, holding NSF 350 certification as well as UL-979 and IAPMO.

4 Learning Objectives:

1.    Understand the types of water in the home.

2.    Learn about technology used to treat lightly contaminated greywater.

3.    Understand implementation of greywater treatment into the home.

4.    Identify potential water savings by getting the consumer involved, ultimately leading to savings in infrastructure, density and energy.

Aug 25, 202358:58
Building Science and the 2021 IECC

Building Science and the 2021 IECC

While the building industry continues to move in the direction of Net Zero or Zero Energy Ready Homes, there is still concern by builders, developers, architects, and home buyers that this level of high-performance homes is a goal that is too hard and too costly to achieve for their projects. During this webinar, attendees will be shown how air sealing a tight building envelope achieves Net Zero/Zero Energy Ready housing that is much easier to achieve and more affordable to build – even at a production level. Case studies will be presented, and building envelope air sealing will also be reviewed, including benefits, pain points, and methods used.  Learning Objectives: 1. The perceived challenges of Net Zero homes around achievability and affordability 2. How air sealing a tight envelope makes Net Zero more achievable and affordable 3. Understand the different methods of air sealing, along with their benefits, challenges and cost implications 4. Learn of new, innovative methods for air sealing

Aug 24, 202301:03:55
Net Zero Homes: More Achievable & Affordable via Tight Envelopes

Net Zero Homes: More Achievable & Affordable via Tight Envelopes

While the building industry continues to move in the direction of Net Zero or Zero Energy Ready Homes, there is still concern by builders, developers, architects, and home buyers that this level of high-performance homes is a goal that is too hard and too costly to achieve for their projects. During this webinar, attendees will be shown how air sealing a tight building envelope achieves Net Zero/Zero Energy Ready housing that is much easier to achieve and more affordable to build – even at a production level. Case studies will be presented, and building envelope air sealing will also be reviewed, including benefits, pain points, and methods used. 

Learning Objectives:

1. The perceived challenges of Net Zero homes around achievability and affordability

2. How air sealing a tight envelope makes Net Zero more achievable and affordable

3. Understand the different methods of air sealing, along with their benefits, challenges and cost implications

4. Learn of new, innovative methods for air sealing

Aug 24, 202301:06:45
Get Radon on Your Radar

Get Radon on Your Radar

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. AprilAire’s Get Radon on Your Radar course is a 30-minute learning seminar designed to help people understand more about radon, a radioactive gas commonly found indoors at dangerous levels.

The program is appropriate for anyone who wants to learn more about radon and about how to test for it and fix problems.

This program will teach participants to:

  • Understand what radon is, where it comes from, and its risks for causing lung cancer.
  • Understand the scale of the problem, explain why everyone should test for radon, and describe how to do it.
  • Understand how radon comes into a home and how to fix homes to reduce radon exposure.
  • How to partner with AprilAire, and take action against Radon immediately. 
Aug 24, 202347:17
Ventilation's Role in a High-Performing, Healthy Home

Ventilation's Role in a High-Performing, Healthy Home

A home today must not only be high performing, resilient and built using sustainable methods, the home must provide the individuals living within it a healthy environment. There are many factors that contribute to the overall healthy environment we provide our homeowners, but one of the most critical is the quality of the air they breathe. This session will focus on the efficiency and indoor air quality advantages of balanced ventilation systems with recovery (HRVs/ERVs) and how indoor air quality monitoring and automation will shape the future.

Learning Objectives:
Why today’s homes and lifestyles are more problematic for indoor air quality;
How HRVs/ERVs work and why they're so efficient;
Proper HRV/ERV selection and installation;
How indoor air quality monitoring and automation will shape the future.

Aug 15, 202301:06:41
Survey Says – The latest consumer insights on health and sustainability

Survey Says – The latest consumer insights on health and sustainability

The consumer mindset around what is desired in a home is constantly evolving. Review the latest survey insights from homeowners and single-family renters from around the country. Dive deep into energy awareness, motives, and the current mindset of home occupants. Get a glimpse into consumers' understanding of different energy-efficient programs and terminology and future plans for living more sustainably. Data, design, and marketing messages are paired with real-world examples of how to apply this to the future of homes and communities.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discover consumers' awareness and understanding of environmental factors and terminology;

2. Utilize consumer survey results to adjust your home designs and/or marketing messages;

3. Understand the latest consumer mindset on healthy homes;

4. Gain an understanding of the top motivators for consumers regarding health, wellness, and energy efficiency as they pertain to the home.


Aug 15, 202355:35
How to Adapt Energy Codes to Meet State and Local Climate Goals: the New York Stretch Code and Zero Energy Appendix

How to Adapt Energy Codes to Meet State and Local Climate Goals: the New York Stretch Code and Zero Energy Appendix

States and local governments around the county have set ambitious climate goals that center net zero newly constructed buildings as a key component to meeting these goals. Two new models are now available to help jurisdictions achieve their climate goals: New York State Stretch Energy Code (NYStretch) and the Zero Energy Appendix in the 2021 IECC. The nearly finalized NYStretch development process has taken the recent IECC credits approach to the next level. This credit system provides flexibility and refocuses on decarbonization and resilience in buildings as the objective. The development of the NYStretch took a unique approach to cost analysis considering that electrifying now is cheaper than retrofit and future fuel projections are highly variable. The Zero Energy Homes (ZEH) Appendix to the IECC provides an off the shelf opportunity for both commercial and residential new construction. Additionally, the Inflation reduction Act will provide $670 million in aid for local adoption of the ZEH Appendix. Since the ZEH Appendix is published as part of the model IECC, it can be easily modified by adopting states and jurisdictions to better meet local climate goals, or by incentive programs or builders to meet their market demands. NBI is currently developing a guide to aid jurisdictions and program implementers in this process. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand opportunities through the Inflation Reduction Act for states and localities to improve energy code. 2. Explain how the Zero Energy Homes Appendix can be used to meet state and local net zero energy goals. 3. Identify how credits can be used to improve flexibility for builders while focusing on decarbonization and resilience 4. Examine use of cost analysis in code and policy advancement considering future retrofits.

Aug 02, 202346:33
High Performance Home Lighting For Health, Safety & Welfare

High Performance Home Lighting For Health, Safety & Welfare

Most homes in America are woefully underlit. Codes are no help, because they have minimal requirements (would you believe the International Residential Code only requires ONE light in a kitchen?). Despite energy mandates requiring high efficiency LED’s, there is little guidance on what kind of LED’s to use and more importantly where to place them. The missing element in this discussion is how much light we need, as the population ages. A 60 year old needs 3 times the illumination as a 20 year old to see! Drawing on ten years of original research and volunteer work with both the Illuminating Engineering Society and the National Kitchen & Bath Association, architect Doug Walter will discuss optimal lighting strategies and layouts for each room in the home using the latest technologies, illustrating them with actual case studies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Learn how to maximize lighting and daylighting in homes to support Circadian rhythms and provide adequate illumination for all age groups.

2. Attendees will understand why each end user might have different needs, and how to provide them the control and choice they require from low tech to high tech.

3. Look at residential lighting standards and industry recommendations critically, and set your own evidence-based metrics.

4. Know where to look for further learning on the topic of lighting, especially kitchens and baths, the two most critical lighting environments in the home.

Jul 14, 202301:00:41
The NEW All-Electric Decarbonized Home Kitchen Appliance Portfolio

The NEW All-Electric Decarbonized Home Kitchen Appliance Portfolio

Chef Andrew Forlines will give an overview of new and advanced home cooking technology with an emphasis on all-electric, non-gas options. Induction cooking, Steam and Speed Ovens, Sous Vide Cooking, Automated and Smart WiFi Connected appliances.

Learning Objectives:

1. Why Induction burners are more powerful and better than gas burners.

2. Understand the expanded modern all-electric home kitchen appliance portfolio.

3. Learn talking points to get home owners and trade partners to opt in on all-electric home kitchen appliances.

4. Understand the complexity of the home kitchen large appliance industry AND how to navigate it.

Jun 08, 202354:48
Sometimes the Simplest Ideas Change the World: Introducing Comfy Light

Sometimes the Simplest Ideas Change the World: Introducing Comfy Light

Energy loss is a real problem on any residential new construction project. And perhaps there is no greater opportunity for energy loss than conditioned air leaking into the attic space through the dozens and dozens of ceiling penetrations that accommodate things like lighting fixtures, air-conditioning diffusers, smoke detectors, security devices, and more. Join us for a conversation with the inventor and founder of Comfy Light: a once-in-a-generation idea that is going to change the approach to residential energy savings. Josue Ramirez will show us that by combing air and light into one discreet patented device, saving significant amounts of energy never looked so good!

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how to significantly reduce the number of ceiling penetrations by combining air and light into one Comfy Light fixture;

2. Demonstrate how blower door test data confirms the dramatic impact that installing Comfy Light has over traditional HVAC diffusers;

3. Understand that if the A/C system isn’t working as hard, it’s going to last longer, and fewer air changes per hour means the system doesn’t have to run as much, and will therefore last longer;

4. Compare Comfy Light’s unique multi-axial design, allowing for both horizontal and vertical air mixing.


Speakers: Josue Ramirez, Ken Grubbs

May 10, 202331:53
Heat Pump Water Heaters - A Panel Discussion

Heat Pump Water Heaters - A Panel Discussion

Join award winning builder Jay Epstein, water physicist Dr. Markus Lenger, and water and energy conservation expert Larry Acker to discuss heat pump water heaters:
1) How effective are they in a residential home and what are the options?
2) Should every home consider a Heat Pump Water Heater, even though they only have access to 110/120 Amps? 
3) Is plumbing design necessary for Heat Pump Water Heaters?
4) Is controlled distribution of hot water important for efficiency of Heat Pump Water Heaters?
They will also discuss new systems of monitoring and data collection of energy in existing and new homes: 
1) Should Heat Pump Water Heaters be monitored?
2) Is there a simple way to test and collect data on existing homes?
This panel will have details and suggestions on all of the above. There will be slides and examples of existing buildings and studies.

May 02, 202301:20:26
Solving Build 3.0 Challenges Using High-Performance NEXGEN MgO MAXTERRA Solutions

Solving Build 3.0 Challenges Using High-Performance NEXGEN MgO MAXTERRA Solutions

Are you ready to take your building projects to the next level? Join us for a webinar that will explore new strategies for business success using the BUILD 3.0 Framework. While Build 1.0 and Build 2.0 brought advancements in building techniques and energy efficiency, the world today requires a more complex approach. That's where BUILD 3.0 comes in – it addresses the challenges of the disastrous effects of climate change, environmental and health impacts, and the decades-long profitability issues caused by low productivity in building processes. In this webinar, we'll show you how to combine the best materials, processes, and technologies from BUILD 1.0 and BUILD 2.0 with new BUILD 3.0 elements to succeed in today's building environment. You'll learn how BUILD 3.0 building materials and processes can be used for disaster resistance, eco-friendliness, and improved construction productivity. Plus, we'll introduce you to NEXGEN Building Products and our Magnesium Oxide (MgO) MAXTERRA panels – high-performance panels that are fire, water, storm, mold, impact, and insect/pest resistant, making them ideal for sheathing, subflooring, and floor underlayment.


Find out more information and order samples here: www.nexgenbp.com

Apr 14, 202351:37
Women in Construction: Hear from Three Women Builders

Women in Construction: Hear from Three Women Builders

Join us for this highly informative webinar featuring three inspiring women builders: Founder of Younger Homes, Danielle Younger; Co-owner and Marketing Director of Lifestyle Homes, Karen Kicinski, and Co-founder of Charis Homes, Glenna Wilson. These three incredible women will tell us about how they entered the sustainable building industry, how the industry has impacted them, and how they seek to impact the industry in return. They’ll discuss the sustainable technologies and innovations they have implemented and provide advice for women looking to enter the residential construction industry.
Learning Objectives:
1. Learn about the newest innovations happening in the sustainable building industry.
2. Understand day-to-day operations and the building industry's challenges and rewards, especially as it relates to women.
3. Learn about the advice these women would give other women entering the building industry.
4. Understand how climate and location dictate high-performance technologies.

Mar 31, 202301:02:27
EPA’s New Proposed Framework for Indoor airPLUS Version 2

EPA’s New Proposed Framework for Indoor airPLUS Version 2

In early February, EPA announced the second public comment period for Indoor airPLUS Version 2, EPA’s residential certification program for improved indoor air quality (IAQ). To help you understand what is proposed in Version 2 and how it is different from Version 1 and the initial draft specification, EEBA is hosting this interactive session with EPA staff and representatives. During the webinar, EPA will provide a guided tour of the public comment page and an overview of the revised program model to help identify areas where you and your organization may wish to provide input. Join us to hear how you can participate in promoting broader adoption of IAQ advancements and help shape the future of this labeling program.


Nick Hurst, Gayathri Vijayakumar

Mar 23, 202353:46
EEBA & Ecomedes: An Overview for Manufacturers

EEBA & Ecomedes: An Overview for Manufacturers

Discover EEBA’s new sustainable products database - eeba.ecomedes.com. Easily search by product category, brand, certifications, ecolabels, or greenest products to streamline how you source and specify. You can also add products to a project and start to calculate impact and evaluate how those selected products help you achieve your project's preferred rating system. Sourcing and specifying sustainable building materials just got easy!
In this second of five webinar series, Paul will provide an overview for manufacturers interested in how EEBA supports high-performance green builders with eeba.ecomedes.com.

Mar 20, 202330:10
EEBA’s New Sustainable Products Database: ecomedes.com

EEBA’s New Sustainable Products Database: ecomedes.com

Discover EEBA’s new sustainable products database - eeba.ecomedes.com. Easily search by product category, brand, certifications, ecolabels, or greenest products to streamline how you source and specify. You can also add products to a project and start to calculate impact and evaluate how those selected products help you achieve your project's preferred rating system. Sourcing and specifying sustainable building materials just got easy!

Want to learn how? Join Ecomedes’ Founder Paul Shahriari for training and insights into making the most of EEBA’s ecomedes portal. In this first of five webinar series, Paul will showcase how home builders, subcontractors, and manufacturers get value from eeba.ecomedes.com.

Mar 09, 202356:09
Sustainable Is Attainable: Building Affordable Zero Energy Ready Homes and Providing Missing Middle Housing Opportunities

Sustainable Is Attainable: Building Affordable Zero Energy Ready Homes and Providing Missing Middle Housing Opportunities

Explore the challenges faced when building sustainable, affordable housing and providing Missing Middle Housing opportunities in existing neighborhoods. It will feature two case studies of affordable Zero Energy Ready Home developments in Western North Carolina. These include the Northstone mixed income community in Hickory and the Duke Street Cottages pocket neighborhood in Granite Falls.

Learning Objectives:
1. Define the terms "Missing Middle Housing" and "Pocket Neighborhood."
2. Explore challenges to building sustainable, affordable housing in existing neighborhoods with restrictive zoning ordinances.
3. Identify affordable strategies for meeting DOE Zero Energy Ready Home requirements.
4. Discuss high performance heating, cooling, ventilation, and dehumidification systems for low load homes.

Mar 01, 202301:00:17
Heat Pumps, Mini-Splits & Air Conditioners - Commissioning with Smart Tools to Get It Right the First Time!

Heat Pumps, Mini-Splits & Air Conditioners - Commissioning with Smart Tools to Get It Right the First Time!

Over a dozen studies confirmed most H/AC systems have either an air flow or refrigerant charge faults (or both). A 2018 DOE study found heating and air conditioning installations had at least one fault in 70–90% of homes, and when duct leakage is considered, this number increases to 90–100%. Improper installation leads to increased energy use, comfort issues, warranty claims, call backs and higher HVAC repair costs over the lifetime of the equipment. 

Fixing these two faults alone has the potential to decrease residential cooling energy loads by 5–10%. Researchers at NREL estimate that central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps in the US waste 20.7 terawatt hours (TWh) of energy per year due to equipment faults. Convert that to energy generated by hydroelectric - it’s 5.7 times the volume of Lake Mead at its highest level, which is 8.5 trillion gallons of water. 

PNL believes that Smart Tools + Smart Apps. make for a system with fewer faults. Combine this with the new ANSI/ RESNET/ACCA/ICC RESNET Standard 310 and you have real solutions.

This webinar will cover practical solutions for reducing air flow and refrigerant faults using Smart Probes & Apps and we will simplify Standard 310 into bite size chunks. We will share the latest Building America study that confirms the use of these Smart Tools and Apps.

Join us to learn how to achieve installations that provide optimum efficiency and provide installations that meet the manufacturer guidelines that reduce energy use, increase comfort, and eliminate call backs.


Presented by Joe Medosch & Shawn LeMons

Feb 10, 202301:07:55
February Builder of The Month - Clare Homes, Isaac Scott

February Builder of The Month - Clare Homes, Isaac Scott

Aaron Smith sits down with our February Builder of The Month, Isaac Scott, owner of Clare Homes along with his business partner Kendall Gilmore. They discuss what motivated Isaac to enter the construction field, start his own business in 2021 as a sustainable builder, how he connected with EEBA, and more!

Feb 08, 202327:04
EEBA Summit Call for Presentations: Share Your Knowledge & Connect with Our Community

EEBA Summit Call for Presentations: Share Your Knowledge & Connect with Our Community

The EEBA High-Performance Home Builder Summit attracts an audience of highly engaged attendees from across North America - the innovators and early adopters who believe the way we build our homes is the way we build our future. We are now seeking proposals for presentations on healthy, resilient, electrified, net zero, zero carbon homes. New this year will also be an executive educational track devoted to best business practices to help your company thrive in this challenging time. Our goal is to continuously grow and strengthen the high-performance building community.  

Join CEO Aaron Smith and the EEBA team to learn more about the content our audience is looking for and submit your proposals before the deadline of March 1st!

Jan 20, 202323:33
Marketing Economic Value for Green Homes
Jan 20, 202356:45
EEBA 2023 Summit and Sponsor Updates

EEBA 2023 Summit and Sponsor Updates

Join EEBA CEO Aaron Smith and the team as they share exciting news around EEBA’s 2023 High Performance Home Summit. The event will be at a new venue, with a new Summit Exhibit area and floorplan. Additionally, the team will discuss the call for proposals and how to get your information in front of the attendees. Looking for reach outside of just the Summit? Our team will also touch on EEBA’s full-year sponsorship opportunities for manufacturers, service providers and others looking to reach the building market.

Jan 20, 202328:01
Inventory of Zero Report

Inventory of Zero Report

Join Aaron Smith as he reviews the 7th EEBA Inventory of Zero Energy (ZE) Homes. EEBA Team Zero started tracking the proliferation of U.S. and Canadian ZE homes in 2015. Since then, the yearly report has shown a consistent upward trend. In the past, the multifamily sector led the pack. In the 2022 report, we see single family homes making up the majority for the first time. The report tracks Zero Energy single and multifamily home trends and leaders across the U.S. and Canada, and shows 190% in growth in total projects as well as 440% growth in single family houses.

The report sheds light on North American ZE growth patterns, high-performance technologies used, top rating systems, as well as the major players who are adopting ZE design and construction as a profitable business model.

Jan 17, 202322:59
Lifestyle Home Virtual Tour

Lifestyle Home Virtual Tour

WHAT IS LIFESTYLE HEALTHSMART?

LifeStyle HealthSmart is a brand-new health-centric program initiated by LifeStyle Homes in response to COVID-19. The pandemic quickly and drastically changed the world, forcing all of us to take a closer look at the role clean indoor air plays on long-term health.

With a better understanding and sharper focus on the importance of indoor air quality, LifeStyle Homes launched HealthSmart in October 2020 to markedly improve the homes we build. LifeStyle HealthSmart homes include an array of building products and practices that help stop the formation of mold and mildew, as well as keep other indoor pollutants at bay.

LifeStyle HealthSmart represents a healthy addition to our longstanding SunSmart program, which bolsters energy efficiency and structural durability. Together, these two programs provide LifeStyle homeowners superior levels of quality, comfort, and cost savings.

Aug 25, 202201:32
Learn about Spray Foam

Learn about Spray Foam

R-24 open-cell spray foam. Spray foam has emerged as a highly superior and extremely effective insulator in recent years. This insulation technique creates an air-tight seal to help drastically improve the energy-efficiency and the year-round comfort of your home. LifeStyle Homes uses R-24 open-cell spray foam to create a protective bubble around your home’s living areas. In addition to being a superior insulator, it has the added perks of reducing noise, as well as blocking dust, pollen, and other airborne pollutants for a cleaner, more comfortable environment.

Aug 25, 202200:53
Pre-Drywall Inspections & Testing to Verify Optimized Framing and Air Sealing, Grade Insulation Installation

Pre-Drywall Inspections & Testing to Verify Optimized Framing and Air Sealing, Grade Insulation Installation

In this webinar, Michael Arblaster will teach attendees about the specifics of pre-drywall inspections and testing. We will discuss the value of third-party pre-drywall inspections and testing for builders and raters, and how they can result in reduced callbacks. We will also examine how this aspect of the rating process has become increasingly important for consistency and defensibility for builders who choose an ERI Path for code compliance.
Learning Objectives:
1. Learn about the specific minimum rated features which can be verified at the pre-drywall stage of construction, specifically proper optimized framing, air sealing and Grade I insulation installation practices.
2. Understand the benefits to builders of third-party inspection and testing, measurable quality control, lower HERS scores, and reduced callbacks.
3. Learn about the benefits to raters of more consistent and higher quality ratings, as well as increased inspection revenue streams.
4. Become aware of the requirements of pre-drywall inspections for several Energy Efficiency Programs

Aug 24, 202201:07:39
How #homebuilders can thrive during an economic downturn with George Casey and the EEBA Builder Benchmark Group

How #homebuilders can thrive during an economic downturn with George Casey and the EEBA Builder Benchmark Group

Take 12 minutes to watch George Casey's presentation about how #homebuilders can thrive during an economic downturn, presented during this week's Builder Benchmark Group retreat hosted by the Mitsubishi Electric Performance Construction Team at Georgia's beautiful Lake Lanier Islands. Go to eeba.org to learn more about how to join. 

Jul 19, 202211:21
Inspiring Homebuyers and Building Owners to Demand Net-Zero Energy and Zero Emission Homes/Buildings

Inspiring Homebuyers and Building Owners to Demand Net-Zero Energy and Zero Emission Homes/Buildings

Net-zero energy and zero emission homes/buildings are being built ALL across the U.S. and yet so many buyers either don’t know this level of performance, including optimized comfort and minimized maintenance, is within their grasp. Or, if they do know about it, they too often assume it is still “too cutting-edge” and thus too expensive to be in their home. Our panelists on this episode are educating and helping dispel the misunderstanding that this type of performance is only available for the ultra-wealthy. 

Paul Kriescher, Executive Producer/Host of the new PBS/YouTube series, Heart of a Building, does this by showcasing the inspiring “why” stories behind inspired homes and buildings across Colorado and soon from across the U.S. beginning with the Pittsburgh, PA and Orlando, FL areas. David Takahashi is a Boulder homeowner who renovated his 1954 “energy-hog” of a home into a net-zero energy home after Climate Change enhanced fire and flood (destroyed and damaged, respectively) previous homes he owned a decade earlier. Paul Hutton is the Director of Regenerative Design at the Cuningham Group where he specializes in optimizing daylighting and building performance for schools and commercial buildings across the U.S.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand how and why people design and build/remodel net-zero energy houses/buildings.
2. Learn about the true costs of net-zero energy home construction vs. operational, maintenance and environmental impact savings (new and retrofit).
3. Understand the importance of the thermal envelope prior to electrifying heating, cooling and ventilation equipment.
4. Learn why solar PV is the “icing on the cake”, not the first step.

Jul 15, 202201:04:50
Heat Pump Water Heaters in the All-Electric Home - Builders share their experience

Heat Pump Water Heaters in the All-Electric Home - Builders share their experience

Installing Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) in new homes is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to incorporate high-efficiency water heating into buildings. Yet, the vast majority of builders are not familiar with and not using advanced water heating technology.  Join the Advanced Water Heating Initiative (AWHI), EEBA and Electrify Now for a webinar that will profile two American homebuilders who are installing heat pump water heaters in new homes and loving it.

 Our discussion will highlight the experiences these builders have had with this important technology and cover the following topics:   Installing HPWHs in new, all-electric homes. Why builders are installing and love HPWH. What are the benefits and challenges of installing HPWH in new homes?  Are builders modifying their home designs to fit and take advantage of HPWH? What are homeowners saying when they buy homes with HPWHs?  Any lessons that can be applied to installing HPWHs in existing homes? 

 Learning Objectives:  Attendees will learn about general guidelines for how to install heat pump water heaters and how they differ from gas and electric resistance water heaters. Attendees will be informed about how to communicate with customers on the monetary and energy-saving potential of these devices. Attendees will become familiar with how to incorporate heat pump water heaters into new home design and construction. Attendees will understand the role water heaters play in the decarbonization and transformation of the electric grid. 


Panelists:  Juan Fernandez - Owner, CVF Homes in San Antonio Texas Leigha Dickens - Green Building Program Manager, Green Built Alliance  Geoff Wickes - Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

Jul 13, 202201:14:14
Heat Pump Water Heaters are a Builder's Best Friend

Heat Pump Water Heaters are a Builder's Best Friend

As momentum continues to build for the adoption/deployment of ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters, one of the most attractive, cost-effective growth vehicles is the new home construction channel. Today's technology offers a multitude of energy-efficient options to meet the ever-changing demands of the home builder. ENERGY STAR Homes and Products Teams and leading manufacturers are empowering a national alliance to ensure the most comprehensive set of resources are available for any residential construction application. This session will define the technology features and product benefits of HPWH, how the product fits into a broader home electrification/decarbonization strategy, and explain strategies to overcome industry objections.  

Learning Objectives:
1. Understanding HPWH technology and design options offered today and what's to come.
2. Defining ENERGY STAR's product specifications and the diverse toolkit available to home builders.
3. Overcoming common misperceptions/objectives regarding performance and installation.
4. Recognizing how HPWH are an integral part of a broader ENERGY STAR Homes portfolio.

Jun 30, 202201:32:57
What is a High-Performance Home and How to Consistently Deliver It at Lower Cost

What is a High-Performance Home and How to Consistently Deliver It at Lower Cost

Once homebuyers purchase new homes often based on infatuation with community and design, bad home performance experiences can negate all the hard work earning customer satisfaction. It is critical to get high-performance right. This course begins that process with lessons-learned from decades of experience as a residential architect and work with thousands of home builders while serving as national director for ENERGY STAR Certified Home and Zero Energy Ready Home. The resulting framework for high performance homes includes five key strategies and over 40 best practices for applying them with substantial cost savings. Most importantly, this framework has been intensively researched, vetted, and refined over five years with hundreds of housing industry executives. The goal is not to dogmatically impose one solution for all, but to engage housing professionals to high-performance as a journey and how to get on their own path. 

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn why user experience is the new imperative.
2. Learn what are the five key housing user experiences. 
3. Learn 4 strategies with over 40 best practices for consistently optimizing the home performance UX.
4. Learn how high-performance is a journey to chart your own path.

Sam Rashkin has earned an international reputation for his work engaging thousands of homebuilders as national director for ENERGY STAR Certified Home and Chief Architect with the U.S. DOE Building Technologies Office directing Zero Energy Ready Home. Over two-and-a-half million high-performance homes have now been certified under these programs. Through this decades of experience, research, and detailed observations, Sam has learned two things. One, high-performance is a critical must-have for success in the housing industry. Two, high-performance is not nearly enough to meet the new user experience imperative. Sam’s latest work and new book, “Housing 2.0 – A Disruption Survival Guide,” provides the guidance needed for high-performance builders to become industry leaders with a comprehensive framework for optimizing the housing user experience.

Download the first two chapters of Housing 2.0 here: https://www.greenbuildermedia.com/housing-2.0#book


Jun 24, 202201:27:26
Future Proof Healthy Home Strategies with Panasonic and Swidget

Future Proof Healthy Home Strategies with Panasonic and Swidget

Panasonic and Swidget have combined forces to empower your homes to monitor, assess, and optimize the healthy home and a multitude of other home automation possibilities.  

- Learn how to expand the jobs to be done by upgrading traditional wiring devices to smart devices.
- Easily manage ventilation and other healthy home strategies with simple automations.
- Technology develops fast and the only solution is to provide a future-proof design that is fully customizable and re-configurable. Learn how easy it is with Swidget. 
- Understand our simple Builder Package Options that are surprisingly affordable.


Watch recording here: https://eeba.digitalchalk.com/learn/future-proof-healthy-home-strategies-with-panasonic-and-swidget

Jun 08, 202245:31
What is Good Housing Design and How to Consistently Deliver It

What is Good Housing Design and How to Consistently Deliver It

Recent studies show that user experience leaders compared to laggards realize 3X greater return to investors and 3X greater resilience during downturns. Housing will not be the exception to this trend. If the “house is a system” in building science, “housing is a system” in user experience. Housing professionals have to be prepared to optimize this total homebuyer experience. High-performance is not enough … not nearly enough. This webinar begins that process with the design experience based on lessons-learned from decades of residential architecture experience and work leading national high-performance home programs. The resulting design optimization framework includes five key strategies and 50 best practices for applying them with substantial cost savings. Most importantly, this framework has been intensively researched, vetted, and refined over five years with hundreds of housing industry executives. The goal is not to dogmatically impose one path, but to engage high-performance housing professionals to understand the opportunities to begin their own critical journey to industry leading user exeriences at lower cost.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn why user experience is the new imperative.
2. Learn what are the five key housing user experiences.
3. Learn 5 strategies with 50 best practices for consistently optimizing the housing design UX.
4. Learn how to customize the housing design framework for your business.

Sam Rashkin has earned an international reputation for his work engaging thousands of homebuilders as national director for ENERGY STAR Certified Home and Chief Architect with the U.S. DOE Building Technologies Office directing Zero Energy Ready Home. Over two-and-a-half million high-performance homes have now been certified under these programs. Through this decades of experience, research, and detailed observations, Sam has learned two things. One, high-performance is a critical must-have for success in the housing industry. Two, high-performance is not nearly enough to meet the new user experience imperative. Sam’s latest work and new book, “Housing 2.0 – A Disruption Survival Guide,” provides the guidance needed for high-performance builders to become industry leaders with a comprehensive framework for optimizing the housing user experience.

Download the first two chapters of Housing 2.0 here: https://www.greenbuildermedia.com/housing-2.0#book

May 25, 202201:12:27
Solving for the High-Performance Home Paradox

Solving for the High-Performance Home Paradox

Software, specifically software services, has been disrupting industries since the 50's. Marc Andreesen, the founder of Netscape, 10 years ago had a famous article in the WSJ titled "Why Software is Eating the World." Today, that has proven to be true, we experience the phenomenon as online software services that we interact with every day. Sendal software services solve unhealthy living environments by disrupting the current hardware centric approach to high-performance homes. We will be discussing how software services improve the general well-being of the home's occupants and simultaneously reduce the emissions footprint of housing. Sendal services deliver meaningful results; breathable air, energy & water conservation enabling general wellness and well-being of the occupants. We will be discussing how software services recruit both builder built-in tech and consumer tech to deliver highly functional high-performance homes that consumers will be willing to pay for.

4 Learning Objectives:
1. Define and gain agreement around how today's static approaches to the high-performance home lead to unhealthy homes while sub optimizing energy and water conservation.
2. Explore how software is uniquely capable of addressing dynamic living environments in the delivery of healthy homes while reducing emissions.
3. Discover how leveraging existing products and making them perform better with software services creates meaningful results for consumers.
4. Why consumers care and are willing to pay for these services.

May 12, 202259:56
What is the Future of Housing with Certainty and How Will it Affect High-Performance Homes? / Part 1 of 3

What is the Future of Housing with Certainty and How Will it Affect High-Performance Homes? / Part 1 of 3

Virtually every major industry has experienced, or is in the process of experiencing, disruption. Think retail, personal transportation, automobiles, computing, music, photography, media, and the list goes on and on. Housing in the U.S. has been able to sit on the sidelines with its first cost dominated business model and uniquely disaggregated industry…but not for much longer. That’s because there are five crises driving four innovations that will disrupt an industry totally resistant to change. A certainty by simply connecting the dots. Understanding these changes and preparing for them will be critical for all high-performance housing professionals. Will you be ready?

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn what five housing crises are converging on the housing industry imposing profound pain.
2. Learn what four housing innovations are waiting in the wings with impressive pain relief. 
3. Learn what housing disruption is certain by simply connecting the dots.
4. Learn how high-performance housing professionals can prepare for the disruption ahead.

Sam Rashkin has earned an international reputation for his work engaging thousands of homebuilders as national director for ENERGY STAR Certified Home and Chief Architect with the U.S. DOE Building Technologies Office directing Zero Energy Ready Home. Over two-and-a-half million high-performance homes have now been certified under these programs. Through this decades of experience, research, and detailed observations, Sam has learned two things. One, high-performance is a critical must-have for success in the housing industry. Two, high-performance is not nearly enough to meet the new user experience imperative. Sam’s latest work and new book, “Housing 2.0 – A Disruption Survival Guide,” provides the guidance needed for high-performance builders to become industry leaders with a comprehensive framework for optimizing the housing user experience.

Download the first two chapters of Housing 2.0 here: https://www.greenbuildermedia.com/housing-2.0#book

Apr 18, 202201:16:12
Phius Prescription for Better Buildings

Phius Prescription for Better Buildings

Phius Prescription for Better Buildings

This webinar presents the new Phius 2021 core prescriptive path and prepares Passive House practitioners to certify their buildings with it. It covers the background context, the origin of the prescriptive checklist, and provides step-by-step instruction, along with some case study examples.

Learning Objectives:

1.  Learn about the origins of the Phius 2021 prescriptive path.

2.  Understand how to use the prescriptive checklist.

3.  Identify the submission requirements and the process for certifying a building through the prescriptive path.

4.  Review case study examples that demonstrate the use of the prescriptive checklist.

John Loercher joined the Phius certification team in 2021. He provides design review, updates our existing CPHC training curriculum and helps expand the advanced training offerings at Phius. Prior to joining the certification team, John has been an active CPHC since 2016 and has certified all building types ranging from single-family and multi-family residential, commercial, new construction and retrofits. He is a Certified Passive House Consultant and holds a Masters of Architecture from Parsons the New School for Design.

Apr 07, 202201:00:54
Intro to Phius

Intro to Phius

Lisa White and Aaron Smith: Phius 2021 is the next progression of the Phius passive building standards which were created to guide builders to success in the design and construction of passive buildings.

The well-known Phius performance path now has two levels related to overall building impact: the CORE target to acknowledge aggressive load reduction and energy conservation and the ZERO target to build upon CORE but also fully electrify and net out operational energy use with renewable energy. Phius ZERO marks the next step towards making net zero universal.

The Phius ZERO standard has other provisions to reduce emissions and support decarbonization efforts including banning on-site fossil fuel combustion and using a future predicted electric grid emissions scenario for calculating the impact of using electricity versus natural gas on site. Learn more about the mandatory requirements of the standard, renewable energy options to get to zero, building your project team, and next steps if you choose to pursue this for your project.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the history and origin of high performance passive buildings, passive principles, and how the standards are derived from and built upon these principles & concepts.

2. Recognize the core passive principles and how they are applied in various climate zones and result in varying passive building solutions and lay the foundation for net zero energy buildings.

3. Examine the recommendations and performance requirements for buildings pursuing Phius Certification for CORE or ZERO.

4. Recall the suggested timeline, project team members, their roles, and the Phius Certified professionals that must be involved if pursuing Phius Certification.

Mar 29, 202259:20
ASES: Equitably Transforming to a 100% Renewable Energy Society

ASES: Equitably Transforming to a 100% Renewable Energy Society

Established in 1954, the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that advocates for sustainable living and 100% renewable energy. We share information, events and resources to cultivate community and power progress in the U.S. and beyond. As the U.S. section of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES), we work with individuals and groups around the world to accelerate the equitable transition to a renewable energy and sustainable living society.

We believe knowledge and community are a powerful combination for change. Through trusted, well-researched content and comprehensive, thoughtful perspectives, we continue to nurture a transition to a more sustainable world. Through signature publications such as Solar Today magazine, the ASES Online Community network and annual events like the National Solar Tour and National Solar Conference, we engage individuals, businesses and partnering groups to advance the possibilities of sustainability and renewable energy in the U.S.

In this webinar we will dive deeper into ASES's programs to learn how you can effect change by participating in our many opportunities. This includes attending the ASES SOLAR 2022 National Solar Conference, participating in the National Solar Tour, volunteer opportunities, and engaging with industry professionals in our ASES Online Community and Webinar Series.

Presenter Bio and headshot

Carly Cipolla is the Director of Engagement for the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). She is a 2017 graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in Environmental Studies and minor in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science with an emphasis in sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental justice. Prior to her joining the ASES team, Carly worked at the University of Colorado’s Environmental Center to further sustainability on campus as a Promotions and Outreach Associate. Since joining ASES as an intern in 2016, Carly has flourished into her current leadership position focusing on directing the annual National Solar Conference, managing staff and volunteers, as well as focusing on general operations for the organization. She has planned the last four conferences and successfully developed and implemented ASES’ first ever virtual conference, SOLAR 20/20: Renewable Energy Vision in 2020 and ASES’s first ever hybrid conference in 2021. Realizing the success and potential of the virtual and hybrid events, she plans to add an online component to every ASES conference in the future to allow attendees to gather from all over the world. Carly is focused on expanding the reach of ASES and their programs, and has even started a program, the ASES Webinar Series in 2019. She has most recently implemented an online community platform for ASES membership of 20,000+ members, chapters and staff/board of directors. The platform is a place for the ASES community to gather, network and share information and events. Carly looks forward to continued success with ASES.

Mar 28, 202246:09
Designing for Dignity and Claiming Our Power: Ownership, Empowerment, and Transformation with Sustainable Buildings

Designing for Dignity and Claiming Our Power: Ownership, Empowerment, and Transformation with Sustainable Buildings

In this session, the NAACP brings you an overview of the Centering Equity in the Sustainable Building Sector (CESBS) Initiative and the stories of two members at the intersection of energy, equity, and housing. Lonnie Feemster, President of the Reno-Sparks Branch of the NAACP and former energy inspector, is known around town as “Solar Man.” With immense care, he built his own passive house that provides a 100% electric, low-consumption, and comfortable place for work and play for three generations. Daphany Rose Sanchez, founder of Kinetic Communities Consulting (KC3) and proud New York native, leverages partnerships and resources to help close the gap between the affordable housing and energy efficiency industry for diverse New York communities. Lonnie and Daphany share a passion for supporting Black and brown communities to understand the human cost of energy, save money, feel safe, and live in a cleaner environment. They will share a call to action through stories and lessons for building professionals to design projects, policies, and programs first and foremost for people and for justice.

Feb 18, 202201:18:22